Barnsley: Windfall on cards as ex-Red John Stones hands in transfer request

Chris Holt

Barnsley could be set for a huge financial windfall with reports that Everton's former Reds defender John Stones has handed in a transfer request amid fierce interest from Chelsea.

A sell-on clause following Stones' transfer from Oakwell to Goodison Park two years ago, believed to be 15%, means Barnsley could pocket around £5m, should the 21 year old make the switch to Stamford Bridge.

John Stones in action for Barnsley

After three failed bids - the last in excess of £30million - from the Stamford Bridge club, the Press Association are reporting the England international has now taken matters into his own hands and formally expressed his desire to leave.

Everton have repeatedly stated that Stones is going nowhere and in today's press conference when asked what would happen should Stones ask for a transfer, boss Roberto Martinez said: "There is nothing to comment on that.

"Once more, it is always the same question and always the same answer.

"The only thing that matters now is the game we have in front of us. There is nothing to announce or discuss.

"I know it is your job to keep asking the same question and unfortunately it is my job in this case to always give you the same answer."

Coincidentally, that next game for Everton is at Oakwell tomorrow night in the Capital One Cup.